China’s J-35A stealth fighter export buzz grows — could Pakistan become the first foreign operator?

LAHORE: China may be signalling a potential export push for its next-generation stealth fighter, the J-35A, with Pakistan emerging as the most likely early recipient, according to reporting cited by South China Morning Post.

The speculation intensified after China’s state broadcaster CCTV aired footage during a May 1 Labour Day programme showing a J-35A model with serial number 001 rolling out of a hangar. Unlike typical Chinese air force aircraft, the jet carried the branding of the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), China’s major state-owned defence manufacturer, rather than a People’s Liberation Army Air Force insignia.

Analysts cited in the report say that detail is significant, suggesting the aircraft shown may not be part of the domestic air force fleet but instead intended for export markets.

The version believed to be shown has been referred to as the J-35AE, reportedly the export variant of China’s fifth-generation stealth fighter program. This marks the first time a full-scale version of the export model has appeared publicly, after only smaller representations were previously displayed at defence exhibitions.

Military commentators quoted in the report described the aircraft as appearing fully developed and ready for potential overseas buyers.

Pakistan has been repeatedly mentioned in defence circles as a likely first customer, largely due to its long-standing military cooperation with China. The country already operates Chinese-origin platforms including the JF-17 Thunder and J-10C fighter jets, strengthening expectations that it could also be considered for the J-35AE.

However, neither Beijing nor Islamabad has officially confirmed any export agreement or procurement timeline.

The J-35A is China’s second fifth-generation stealth fighter after the J-20. The aircraft is designed for multirole operations, featuring internal weapons bays, stealth shaping, advanced radar systems and modern sensor integration intended to reduce detectability in combat environments.

Reports suggest the fighter has a twin-engine configuration, a maximum speed of around Mach 1.8, a combat range of approximately 1,200 km and a service ceiling near 16,000 meters. It is expected to carry both air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry, including beyond-visual-range missiles and precision-guided munitions.

If Pakistan were to acquire the aircraft, it would mark a major leap in its air combat capability and potentially make it one of the first countries outside China to operate a fifth-generation Chinese stealth fighter.

The development also carries broader regional implications, as India continues to modernise its own air fleet while pursuing indigenous fifth-generation fighter programs alongside platforms like the Rafale.

Despite growing speculation, officials have not confirmed any final deal. The CCTV footage and AVIC branding have, however, fuelled strong discussion that China may be preparing the J-35AE for international customers — with Pakistan positioned at the centre of that conversation.